LP12 Setup - How do you know when it's right?

Posted by: John on 22 December 2002

I recently purchased a Naimed LP12 (ARO, armeggedon) and am running a XX2 prefix on it. I have read just about every article I can find on the setup of the TT. It sounds fantastic so far but I don't think I've maxed out it's potential. I'm slowly working through my LP collection because it is rendering recordings different from my P9. I've lost my reference point. How should it sound when it's spot on? or maybe it's easier to describe how it sounds when it's off.

I basically setup the unit so the inner platter is balanced. This was equally critical with my P9. When it tap the platter between the pillar of the ARO and centre of the platter it bounces primaily up and down only. I have no idea what is perfect.

John

Posted on: 23 December 2002 by jonni

You dont.You cant.Well maybe..
All you can do is optimise the set up to get the best out of it, that will depend slightly on what You consider best.If there is nothing wrong with the turntable these are what you need to optimise ,how tense should the arm cable be,the tightness of the P-clip, the tracking force , bias and VTA , Azimuth ,what side of the belt , what mat , stand and feet should you use , how springy is the bounce, how tight are the bolts,is the platter level, are you looking at it the wrong way.
Having any of these wrong can effect what is the right setting for the others , its a big feed back system , that why you cant rely on a dealer it can take months or even years ! to get the best out of it.